1. To earn a steady income, especially as the sole or largest earner in a household. I would love to come see your game, kiddo, but I've got to go to work so I can bring home the bacon. My wife has an incredible job at the hospital, so she takes home the bacon while I look after the kids at home.

2. To be very successful or be victorious, especially in sports or a competition. After so many losing seasons, we definitely need a new quarterback—someone who can really take home the bacon. She is the youngest singer to ever take home the bacon in the popular national singing contest.